The Verdict {Somme Institute MDT5 Review}

About six weeks ago, I was graciously contacted by a representative from the Somme Institute asking if I'd like to do a full trial of their MDT5 5-Step Skincare Regimen.  They had heard of my BeautyMint debacle and believed they could help my skin recover from its bad reaction and even help with my desire to reduce my fine lines (forehead), even out my skin tone (red red red cheeks)..and have overall healthier, more beautiful, skin.

You guys, I have been dying to share the results of this trial with you…get ready to be AMAZED!

First, let's talk about claims:

In case you have forgotten where I began with my little search for a great skincare line, let's start with my before picture.  This picture were taken just after I discontinued use of BeautyMint.  You can see redness, irritation, bumps, big pores, breakout action and of course…those measly fine lines that have been bothering me!

I started my trial of the MDT5 regimen shortly after arriving in Texas last month.  Almost immediately following the first couple of uses of the product, I could tell the texture of my skin was improving.  

Let's chat about the actual products in the regimen for a minute:

After about two weeks of using the products I was already starting to notice a huge improvement in the all around texture and appearance of my skin.  The redness was starting to fade and my skin was looking clearer, softer and more youthful.

As you can tell in the pictures, my skin looks much softer and way more even-toned.  That big blemish on my chin completely vanished with no scarring as well.  

I got in touch, with my contact at Somme, once early on because I had been experiencing a little dryness around my nose, a problem I've experienced before.  Being that it was cold and I was in a different climate, the representative and I agreed that it would probably go away with a little Aquaphor applied at bedtime.  I also found that making sure I didn't use the Transport pads around that area of my nose helped greatly, and since being back in New York I haven't encountered any dryness in that area.

Are you ready for the big reveal?  Here is my after picture:

I am thrilled with the results of using Somme Institute's MDT5 5 Step Regimen.  

Here is what I've noticed after six weeks of use:

My skin is softer, tighter, and more even.

My pores have shrunk noticeably.

The redness (possibly mild Rosacea) has improved dramatically.

The fine lines in my forehead as well as around my eyes are visibly smoother, and less noticeable.

I haven't had a single breakout in six weeks (even around that time of the month…not a single pimple!)

Here are a few remarkable comparison shots to really show you how noticeably different my skin is:

One of the more shocking before and after shots is seeing the difference in Infrared imaging.  One of the claims of the MDT5 Regimen is the ability to actually reverse and repair sun damage…you can see a significant difference in my before and after pictures here:

**A note on the infrared images - these images are completely my own amateur attempt at using an infrared filter on my camera.**

Lastly, this review wouldn't be complete without showing you how incredibly healthy (and different) my skin looks even with make-up on.  I honestly feel as though I've turned back the clock on my skin.

 There are a couple of last things I'd like to share about the skincare line that I feel are important to note if you are considering trying this amazing regimen.

First, because of the highly concentrated levels of Vitamin A in the product line, this regimen cannot be safely used during pregnancy.  

And second, as an individual becoming more progressively concerned with the chemicals I am exposed to in my day to day life, both in food and other commodities, I made sure to check on EWG's Skin Deep website to evaluate this product line.  The 5 Step Regimen has a safety rating of 4 which is a low moderate risk.  (The scale is 0-9, Zero being no risk, 9 being high risk.)  

I really love that the Somme Institute is a progressive thinking company as well, and they are already at work to reduce their rating even more by reformulating their line to eliminate as many unnecessary chemicals as possible.

So, what do you think about the results!?  Are you as amazed as I am!?

Connect with the Somme Institute: Web / Twitter / Facebook / Pinterest

I received complimentary products for this review, however; all opinions and view expressed are my own.
Disclosure Policy

The Verdict {BeautyMint Review}

**This post is not sponsored in any way, just my own personal review of a product I decided to try out.**

A few weeks ago, I began trying out Jessica Simpson's skin care project Beautymint.  Today, I want to give you my thoughts on it and why I won't be continuing to use it.

The initial attractive selling points for BeautyMint:

• Created by a Beverly Hills Celebrity Skincare Expert 
• Visibly reduce the appearance of forehead wrinkles
• Patented technology and premium ingredients
• Low Monthly cost

I am looking for a product that will improve my skin all around, but specifically address the fine lines around my eyes and on my forehead, while minimizing breakouts.

Before / No Make-Up

I was very hopeful that BeautyMint would work, and did notice the following after a few weeks of use:

• Improved texture of skin
• Smaller pores
• Dry skin patches around nose gone!

Unfortunately, I will not be continuing to use BeautyMint because:

• Breakouts - I had an increase in breakouts, as well as tiny pimples
• Forehead skin became very dry and itchy, possibly an allergic reaction to the product?
• No real noticeable improvement of the areas I was hoping to address
• Skin seemed more red and uneven

 After - Skin is More Red, Breakout

I took a close up and you can really see the redness/irritation from the product.

I wouldn't necessarily discourage anyone from using BeautyMint, especially because it is hard to tell whether or not I had a particular sensitivity to one or more of their ingredients.  I'd definitely be interested in hearing from others who have used this product to see if they had any kind of itching/redness occur.

Toddler Mealtime Magic! {Tommee Tippee Tableware Review!}

Does this look familiar?

If you have a toddler, like me, this might be all too familiar!

I have been so frustrated teaching my daughter mealtime manners, and cleaning up monumental messes.  I've been searching for a solution for a while, so when I was given the opportunity to try out a few items from the tommee tippee explora tableware line, I was really excited and hopeful!  

We received several different items to try out, including those pictured above, as well as spoons that I will share with you later in this post.  One of the things I love about the tommee tippee brand is that they have a science behind everything they make, and it really shows.  I'm going to share a little info on each of the products I received and then I'll share my thoughts on them!

   

The explora easi-roll bibs are made from a soft and light material, totally BPA free and roll-up for convenient storage!  They are the easiest to clean bibs I have ever used, plus they don't retain the smell of food or get mildewy like some of the other bibs we have.  The wide catch-all at the bottom of the bib is great and does a fantastic job of catching most food.  These bibs are best for tray-free/booster seat eating and restaurants because high-chair trays can decrease the effectiveness of the bib's catch all, depending on how they line up.

The explora section plates are designed with deeper sections and are angled for easy self-feeding.  I especially love that they keep food separate … great for my picky toddler.  One other fun thing about these plates is that you can make mealtime fun by using the side sections for "ears" and the center section to design a little "face" out of whatever food you are serving up.  With little effort these plates can make meal-time fun-time!  These plates fit perfectly on my new favorite toddler tool:

The explora easi-mat is pure magic.  If there was one tool I'd say you need to rush out and by from this collection, it would be the easi-mat.  This soft silicone mat sticks to almost any flat surface, and features a special suction circle that holds smooth bottom tableware securely in place.  In order to release the tableware you have to pull the special tab to release the suction, a trick most kids cannot figure out!  This means NO more plates and bowls tossed over the edge or dumped over on the table!  I was most excited to try this out and I've been very pleased with the result.  I would say that 95% of the time Zion cannot break the suction.  We use the easi-mat on our high-chair tray and I think the surface is not completely level which allows for the occasional break of the suction if it isn't optimally lined up. Overall, I have to say this is one of the most genius eating tools I've ever used!

A note about the explora tableware from tommee tippee's website:

All our products are made from hardwearing materials that can be put in the dishwasher, freezer or microwave. None of our products contain PVC and are all BPA free, so you can have complete confidence that your baby’s wellbeing is looked after. For less stress and mess at mealtimes, the tommee tippee® explora® tableware range has been created with both mum and baby in mind, and has those little extra touches that help make feeding an enjoyable experience.

The explora heat sensing spoons are soft, flexible and easy for small hands to use.  The special curved design makes learning to self--feed easy, while the shape of the head measures out the perfect bite size portions!  The coolest feature of this spoon is the heat sensing technology.  Remember those hyper-color t-shirts from back in the day?  That is exactly what this spoon reminds me of.  When food is hot, the color changes to let you know…and it doesn't just change one color…you can tell how hot it is by the intensity of the color.  When the pink changes to an orange-ish color food is warm, when the color changes to a bright yellow the food is hot.  Either way, any color change will let you know to test the food to make sure it is not too hot for you toddler to eat!  

We are very happy with our tommee tippee tableware, and hope you enjoyed learning about them!  For more information you can visit tommee tippee on the web or head out to Babies R Us/Toys R Us where they are sold exclusively!

The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.  I received several product samples from the explora tableware line by tommee tippee to review.  Disclosure Policy

Trying It Now: BeautyMint

I am in no way being sponsored to write this post, just sharing my recent find and what I think of it so far.  


Have you heard of BeautyMint?  (If not, I am sure you've at least heard of JewelMint, StyleMint, or ShoeMint?)  Basically, it is the Skin-Care line created in partnership with a "Beverly Hills Celebrity Dermatologist" and Jessica Simpson.

I decided to try it out.  Until I hit 30, I cared relatively little about my skin.  Sad, but true.  Now, I am looking in the mirror and seeing fine lines…noticeable ones.  My husband has great skin, and is going to age better (it is in his genes!)  So I've been really adamant on getting a good regimen going.


What I've tried before:
ProActiv - I have adult acne outbreaks, especially since being off birth control.  Thank you hormones!  So I used ProActiv for a while, too long even.  Don't do it!  It is very damaging and harsh to the skin!
I've used the MaryKay Timewise System.  I used to be a consultant.  I'd be willing to try it again if I don't like BeautyMint.
I also sampled the Somme Institute's MDT5…and that stuff…Ahhhhh-Mazing.  But it is out of my budgetary reach right now.  (*tear*)
So I finally responded to one of the "deals" in an email and got my first box of BeautyMint (a 5 Piece Set.)  I've been using it for almost a week.  I have some good things to say, but the jury is still out.

The highlight of using it so far is that I've always had flaky, dry skin in the creases of my nose, and it is COMPLETELY gone.  I'm amazed.  I've seriously used prescription strength lotion from the dermatologist I see here in NYC with no relief…and in one week…gone.  
On the other side, I have been having some breakouts…so not sure if that is just my skin purging itself of the impurities or what.  
I'll let you know later in the month whether I decide to keep using it or try something different. 
Do you have a skincare line that you love?  Would love more options!


 

The Sippy Cup Challenge + Giveaway

 
I hate hated sippy cups.  But after finally finding the best sippy cup EVER…I am no longer constantly annoyed by leaky, hard to clean and easily damaged cups.
A couple of months ago, I took the "Sippy Cup Challenge" at a tommee tippee® Brand Event.  I was given an explora™ truly spill proof sippy cup for Zion and encouraged to conduct my own challenge with my friends and family.  Today I present the results to you and your chance to win a set of TWO explora™ truly spill proof sippy cups!

       
         
 
 
 Zion was given the choice of one of the two cups to continue drinking from, this was her choice.



Enter the giveaway below to win a 2pack of tommee tippee® explora™ Truly Spill Proof Sippy Cups in your choice of color combo!!


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